Em & Nick · video

What this video covers

Two novice sailors hire a professional captain for a 10-day instructional delivery trip from Saint Petersburg to Venice, Florida, to learn basic boat handling, navigation, and maintenance.2:09 The training covers engine checks, including belt tension and oil levels, alongside close-quarters maneuvering techniques like using spring lines for docking and pivoting the boat using prop walk.5:33 During the 40-nautical-mile transit, the crew practices sail trim, including the use of a staysail, and learns to manage heel angles by applying a 10-minute rule before adjusting sail configuration to changing wind conditions.16:17 The instruction emphasizes cruising planning, which requires the crew to calculate distances, monitor weather forecasts, and account for tides and sea states.3:16 The trip concludes with a successful docking maneuver in Venice.19:34 Professional instruction provides a structured environment for beginners to gain hands-on experience with engine systems, navigation, and docking while building confidence in their ability to manage a sailboat.

More from Em & Nick

Building the Bilge system of our DREAMS (...again lol)Sept 2026We tore out the heart of our boat (electrical refit pt. 1)Aug 2026How much does it ACTUALLY cost to own a sailboat? (our finances for the first 9 months)Aug 2026We ruined HOURS of work in seconds....Jul 2026

From Em & Nick — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.